The Coordinator of National Hajj Commission in Mecca, Dr Aliyu Tanko, confirmed the new arrangement while speaking in Mecca on Friday.

Tanko said the commission had drawn out a time table for the stoning, adding that the commission would also liaise with various state pilgrim boards to ensure the success of the exercise.

He said the commission would mount an intensive sensitisation of pilgrims and would visit all pilgrims hotels in Mecca.

He said the exercise would ensure the safety of all pilgrims during the stoning ritual and reduce the risk associated with the past exercise leading to the death or serious injuries sustained by the pilgrims.

Tanko said the new measure would also reduce pilgrims losing their ways to their tents in Muna: "we usually have high cases of pilgrims missing their ways back to their tents after the exercise."

It was gathered that the Saudi Arabia Tawafa Establishment in charge of grouping pilgrims for the exercise, held a meeting onThursday and established field service groups to facilitate the exercise.

Tell us what you think - is this a necessary measure or is it health and safety gone mad? Do you think it takes away from the spirituality of Hajj? Leave us your comments below!